Triangle Inequality

(use with UCSMP Transition Mathematics, Lesson 4-6)

Directions

This applet helps demonstrate the triangle inequality. At the bottom of
the screen you will see a rectangle cut into equal size pieces. Think of
each of these pieces as a unit. You must group the pieces into three groups
representing the three sides of a triangle. To do this click on two of the
lines dividing the length at the bottom. After clicking the second line a
short animation will begin. If the three lengths are able to form a triangle
then the triangle will be formed. If not, the animation will show you that no
triangle could be formed.

At the bottom of the screen there are several buttons. On the left side
the button labeled "Clear Selection" will cancel any length selection you
have already made. Using the text entry field and the "Reset!" button you can
change the total number of pieces into which the segment will be divided, also
this will clear away any triangles you have already found. The "Show All"
button, will show every possible triangle that can be made from the given
number of units.

You will notice that some triangles are different colors than others. This is
to help distinguish the various types of triangles. Isoceles triangles are blue,
equilateral triangles are red, right triangles are green and scalene triangles
are black.